Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted that VAR made an “error of judgement” in the decision that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United. This has since been described by many as a significant Haaland VAR error in the match.
According to Sky Sports, Haaland’s 60th-minute strike was initially ruled out for offside. Then VAR overturned the decision after determining that the City forward had been played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu.
However, controversy centred on Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland. Many pundits and fans have since debated this Haaland VAR error extensively.
Although Fernandez did not make contact, his movement appeared to affect Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez. Martinez was attempting to defend the attack at the time.
VAR should have recommended review
Pro Ref acknowledged after the match that officials should have considered whether Fernandez interfered with an opponent despite not touching the ball.
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” a Pro Ref spokesperson said.
“However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
The refereeing body confirmed that Manchester United had been contacted over the incident. Notably, the Haaland VAR error raised questions over communication with both teams.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement,” Pro Ref added.
“A review of the incident will take place.” It is clear that the Haaland VAR error will be part of the ongoing officiating debate in the Premier League.
Premier League initially backed goal
Shortly after the decision, the Premier League Match Centre explained that VAR had found Haaland to be onside. It also concluded that Fernandez had not played the ball.
“VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded,” the Match Centre said.
It added that Fernandez, despite being offside, “didn’t play the ball.”
That explanation attracted criticism because football’s offside laws allow a player to be penalised without touching the ball. This can happen if their actions clearly affect an opponent’s ability to play it.
Richards calls decision ‘nonsense’
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards strongly criticised the decision and insisted Fernandez had clearly attempted to become involved in the play.
“One hundred per cent he is,” Richards said when asked whether Fernandez attempted to play the ball.
“I think it’s been a bad day for referees and VAR.”
Richards argued that Fernandez’s movement inevitably affected Martinez’s defending.
“How you can not say Enzo Fernandez is challenging for the ball — of course he is!” he said.
Roy Keane also criticised the decision, arguing that United had effectively been punished despite holding a good defensive line.
“Fernandez is interfering with play,” Keane said.
“United have been punished for holding a good line.”
Haaland’s goal ultimately proved decisive as 10-man Manchester City held on for a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The result will stand despite Pro Ref’s admission. Meanwhile, the refereeing body is expected to conduct a review of how VAR handled the incident.
